Dowload the full Viewpoint: Winter 2017 PDF

In this issue of Viewpoint, we comment on the recent election and look ahead to the key reforms that are needed to improve our state, with a focus on health care reform, charter schools and taxes. The theme is continued in articles by some of our research directors on the best ways to protect salmon and solve environmental issues, and the importance of transparency in local government negotiations with unions.

The year 2016 was a milestone for WPC, as we celebrated 20 years of improving people’s lives in our state. In case you were not one of the 2,500 people who attended one of our 20th Anniversary Annual Dinner events this fall, I encourage you to see the recap of these record-breaking events, and our recognition of our founders with our annual Champion of Freedom Award, on pages 4, 5 and 12.

Some of our key successes that your support made possible this year include:

• We helped Lincoln County adopt collective bargaining transparency – a first for our state! We are now talking to our local governments that are interested in following Lincoln County’s courageous example to take on public sector unions.
• Washington’s charter schools faced significant opposition when, in response to a union-inspired lawsuit, our State Supreme Court ruled that charter schools should close. We acted to ensure our legislature corrected this unjust ruling. Our Center for Education amplified the voices of parents to save their schools. The legislature responded by passing SB 6194, to fully fund our state’s charter schools. 
• In July, with the hiring of a new director, we formally launched a seventh research area, an Initiative on Agriculture. The Initiative focuses on encouraging policymakers to reduce the burden of excessive and unproductive regulation of farmers and allowing farm families to be at the center of policy discussions.
• Based on our recommendation and the work of our Eastern Washington office, Spokane Valley became the third city in our state to approve a local supermajority for taxes requirement.
• Our Young Professionals group continues to grow. In 2016, we hired a full-time YP Coordinator to maintain existing activities and to expand the program to its full potential. We also added a fourth campus club to our college program at Gonzaga University!
• Just last month, we helped frame the debate on the Olympia income tax ballot measure as a direct attack on the state’s case law banning income taxes. All media articles focused on that point, rather than the proponent’s message. The income tax was turned down by city voters. We will continue to fight against a state income tax. 

Dowload the full Viewpoint: Winter 2017 PDF